The World Cup: Morocco

ThisDrinkingLife and The World Cup: Morocco

Morocco did very well to get into this year’s World Cup. Qualifying unbeaten in a tough group that included African king pins, Ivory Coast and nearly men Mali, French man Hervé Renard must be congratulated in getting the “Lions of the Atlas” back at the top table of the world game, the first time in twenty years.

Unlike some of the African teams, the majority of Morocco’s squad play in the top leagues of Europe. Medhi Benatia is at the centre of the backline, and from his time playing with Juventus you can be sure he has the art of defending down to a tee. Karim El Ahmadi, from Feynoord, another bulwark against opposition attackers as a strong defensive midfielder. Hakim Ziyech, the play maker, has had an excellent season with Ajax, prompting the notice of some of the EPL’s big teams, while Striker Khalid Boutaïb, who plays in the Turkish Superliga with Yeni Malatyaspor has had a relatively good season there with 12 goals this year, and is on hot on form. So they have some quality in their team no doubt about it.

It also has to be mentioned that the team didn’t concede one goal in the qualifying, an amazing statistic, which must take the pressure of the forwards no end. Added to this fact is that they have played well in the pre World Cup friendlies and one would think that Morocco have a decent chance of making the last 16. But they dont, and the reason is simple. They are in a group with Spain and Portugal, with a defensive minded Iran making up the numbers. They really need to hit the ground running in their first game against Iran, a win and they have an outside chance, a loss and its an early exit I am afraid. I really cant see how they can beat Spain, but they might be able to contain Portugal and snatch a draw. It will be a tough ask for Morocco, they have a slim chance, but it would be a big surprise if they made it out of the group. Unlucky for them to get such a tough group.